By Clyde Mooney – editor Australian Hotelier
The 2013 Clubs and Hotels Australia expo took place in Melbourne's Exhibition Centre last week, following in the wake of major changes to Victoria's gaming regulations.
Gaming industry heavyweights Aristocrat, Konami, IGT Australia and SHFL were on show with their latest products and systems, with Konami marketing manager Jeremy Alchin impressed with the quality of delegates in attendance.
"We're very happy with the decision to exhibit at Clubs + Hotels 2013. The expo is attracting the right visitors and we have been talking to decision-makers," said Alchin.
Attendees made good use of seminars with industry expert speakers including Bruce Thompson from the Victorian Commission for Gambling & Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) discussing issues relating to Victoria's regulation changes and the gaming landscape.
One of the biggest highlights of the expo was the worldwide launch by Atlas Gaming of the Apollo 2, developed in Victoria. It features a suite of games designed for the local market and sports a slimline, feature-packed cabinet and high-resolution graphics.
The William Angliss Institute (WAI) also hosted barista training workshops, and Bate Design presented a concept space on licensed premise design.
The expo targets the four pillars of hospitality, leisure & sport, food/service and gaming and is an important part of the industry's development.
"The feedback from across the floor has been extremely positive," said Clubs + Hotels 2013 business development manager, Conrad Patrick.
"The success of the event demonstrates that the expo is a key event on the industry calendar, and performs an important function in keeping attendees apprised of the latest industry developments."